ICC defers decision on Mohammad Amir

Governing cricket body to review fast-bowler’s case after adoption of new code.

In its last Board meeting of the year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has deferred a decision that could have possibly relaxed the ban on fast-bowler Mohammad Amir, according to a press release issued by the ICC yesterday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had hoped for a reprieve for the left-arm pacer, who was convicted in the Lord’s spot-fixing case in 2010. It was also being reported that a number of ICC Board members were keen on at least allowing the youngster the opportunity to resume playing first-class cricket.

However, any move in this regard has been put on hold till the next Board meeting, set to take place in January 2014, in which a revised version of an ICC Anti-Corruption Code will be submitted for discussion and subsequent approval.

World Cup T20 schedule to be announced next week

The Board also reviewed an inspection report on the venues for the ICC World Cup Twenty20 that will take place in Bangladesh next year and accepted the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s request to extend the deadline for the completion of the stadia till November 30.

The format and schedule of the World Cup will be announced in Dhaka on October 27, while the schedule of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2014, that will be staged in the UAE from 14 February 14 to March 1, was also approved.

Furthermore, the Board approved a recommendation to increase the assistance provided to Afghanistan cricket through the Targeted Assistance Performance Programme by $1.1m.

Meanwhile, the ICC Board also agreed that a new Chairman will be appointed to take charge after the ICC Annual Conference 2014.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2013.

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